PLAGUE WATCH: Black Death Strikes in Idaho

In what is only the fifth case of bubonic plague in humans in the state of Idaho, the diagnosis of a child with the disease is sparking concerns. The unidentified child, who lives in Elmore County, is recovering from the bacterial infection.

According to WCVB 5, an ABC affiliate, Central District Health Department epidemiologists say it is not known whether the child was exposed to plague in Idaho or during a recent trip to the state of Oregon. Since 1940, only five human cases of plague have been reported in the Gem State (Idaho). The last two reported cases occurred in 1991 and 1992, with both patients fully recovering.

Epidemiologists say this particular case serves as a reminder that the plague is still dangerous and infectious to both humans and their pets, but the disease should not discourage recreationists from enjoying Idaho’s outdoors. People can greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected with plague by taking simple precautions, including avoiding contact with wild rodents, their fleas, and rodent carcasses. Do not feed rodents in picnic or campground areas and never handle sick or dead rodents.

So basically, don’t play with dead things. But you should also consider trying to keep your pets from roaming and hunting ground squirrels or other rodents in affected desert areas and talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on pets as not all products are safe for cats, dogs or children. Sick pets should be immediately examined promptly by a veterinarian, especially if they may have had contact with sick or dead rodents and live in close proximity to humans.

See your doctor if you have any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever after being in a plague-endemic area. Clean up areas near your home where rodents can live, such as woodpiles, and put hay, wood, and compost piles as far away as possible and don’t leave any pet food or water where rodents or other wild animals can access them.

Signs and symptoms of the bacterial infection often creep up within just a few hours after infection and include a bloody cough, difficulty breathing, high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and weakness. If it is not treated quickly, pneumonic plague is almost always fatal.